Secretary Susi H. Hamilton of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources last week offered complimentary one-year family memberships to the department’s museums of natural sciences, art and history to the residents of downtown Raleigh apartment and condominium complexes who were impacted by the recent devastating fire at the under-construction Metropolitan building.

“All of these folks are our neighbors,” said Secretary Hamilton, “and they have been continually in our thoughts since the night of this terrifying fire. Art, nature and history museums offer calm and diversionary environments, particularly during times of stress. It is our hope that the residents affected by this event will find some measure of peace and enjoyment by spending time in our museums.”

The approach was inspired by “The Gift of New York” program, which provided complimentary cultural benefits to families affected by the events of 9/11.

The three state museums will also extend invitations to the first responders to The Metropolitan fire, along with their families, to attend the museums’ springtime featured exhibitions as guests of the department.